New Botox law will help ensure patient safety

Las Vegas, NV - June 6th, 2017 - Dr. F. Victor Rueckl of Lakes Dermatology of Las Vegas applauds the passage of Nevada SB101, also known as the Botox bill, that was sponsored by State Senator Joe Hardy (R- Boulder City). This bill requires that only specific medically qualified personnel are allowed to inject neuromodulators and dermal fillers into patients, such as the popular Botox treatment that is derived from the botulinum toxin. In the past, dental hygienists, aestheticians, and medical assistants were allowed to administer Botox and other injectables. Now such procedures are restricted to the following medial professionals: physicians and physician assistants, dentists, registered nurses, advanced practice registered nurses, osteopathic physicians and physician assistants, and podiatric physicians.

Nevada SB101 was passed to ensure patient safety. Licensed medical professionals have long maintained that individuals, such as medical assistants and dental hygienists, lack the knowledge and training to administer such treatments in a safe manner and spot any negative side effects that could occur. While Botox and fillers are now very common treatments, they are still a medical treatment that has the potential of some serious side effects. Some of these risks include pain or swelling at the injection site, infection, allergic reaction, tissue damage, and even a stroke in very rare cases. As such, the use of Botox and other injectables should only be carried out by those licensed physicians, nurses, and dentists who are aware of such potential risks and can act accordingly in case of an emergency. Nevada SB101 also helps to maximize patient safety by extending existing laws to make it a misdemeanor and grounds for suspension or loss of a professional license for violating the law. This penalty increases to a class B felony if a minor is involved.

Dr. F. Victor Rueckl of Lakes Dermatology says, "I cannot express how happy I am that the Botox bill, Nevada SB101, has finally passed and been signed into law. Botox and other dermal fillers have become incredibly popular over the last few years, and people have taken a rather cavalier attitude towards their use. The reality is that there is always the chance of a complication, and it takes a medical professional with the appropriate training and experience to recognize and deal with any potentially hazardous side effects. The days of Botox parties, where people unwisely risked their heath, are now over. Nevada SB101 states that such injections have to be carried out in a medical facility or office of a medical professional by individuals holding specific medical licenses. While some may lament the passage of this bill, I have treated too many patients who have suffered severe adverse effects from being injected by those with little medical training. I must also stress that a lot of disinformation is being widely circulated about this law, such as those who are able to inject patients now will be grandfathered in. Such is not the case at all, and they risk serious repercussions for continuing to do so when the law goes into effect."

Dr. F. Victor Rueckl adds, "I cannot stress enough that Nevada SB101 is an important step in maintaining the integrity of good cosmetics and nonsurgical treatments. Our entire practice has always held the belief that putting such treatments into the hands of those with a lack of abundant medical training and the appropriate licensing was putting the health of patients into serious jeopardy. Now when a patient receives a Botox injection, they can feel secure in that the physician doing the procedure has undergone the necessary training as dictated by the Board of Medical Examiners, Board of Dental Examiners of Nevada, State Board of Nursing, State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, and State Board of Podiatry. Lastly, I wish to recognize the herculean efforts of Dr. Edwards of Anson & Higgins who has been championing this legislation for the last several years. His tireless devotion to patient safety and sensible medical standards is extremely admirable, and physicians throughout the state of Nevada applaud and appreciate his hard work."

About Lakes Dermatology of Las Vegas

Lakes Dermatology is a state-of-the-art dermatological facility located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Spa at Lakes Dermatology houses all of the medical-grade lasers and machines used at the facility, and both entities are located within the same building. Lakes Dermatology is overseen by Dr. F. Victor Rueckl, a board-certified dermatologist with thirty years experience, and provides patients with both cosmetic and traditional dermatology services. Services and procedures include Mohs surgery, Botox, Lumecca, Fractora, and many more.

For more information regarding Lakes Dermatology of Las Vegas and The Spa at Lakes Dermatology, visit their website at: www.lakesdermatology.com or call 702-869-6667.